Reggie Wayne says he’d play for the Patriots

The Chad Ochocinco experiment didn’t work out all that well, but there’s another elite wide receiver that might be available for the Patriots.

Colts superstar WR Reggie Wayne is a bit disappointed that the Colts haven’t made an effort so far to retain him, and he has already stated that the Patriots are a team that anyone would be thrilled to play for.

The Colts are definitely in rebuilding mode. Owner Jim Irsay has already said that they’re looking to take a QB with the top overall pick, and it seems inevitable that Peyton Manning is on his way out of town. It would make sense that without a bona fide elite QB, 33-year old Wayne might want to take his talents elsewhere to make the best out of his last few seasons.

"Jan 1, 2012; Jacksonville FL, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne (87) before the start of their game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field. The Jaguars won 19-13. Mandatory Credit: Phil Sears-US PRESSWIREAll I know is the Colts. That is where I want to be. I have been there 11 years and I would prefer to end my career a Colt. However, in due time those feelings could subside. I know one thing, my phone works. I do have service and every last bar on it and their number has not come across it yet. I haven’t heard anything from them yet, so maybe I am not as important on the chain of command as I should be. But either way, I’m cool. I have nothing bad to say about the Colts. The Colts took me in and made me a millionaire. I had nothing before I got here but a bunch of invoices. So either way I am still good, and I will still be friends with all of my teammates. But I am still at a point with all of this Peyton stuff, and this Andrew Luck stuff that I can’t be all the way worrying just about that. My phone hasn’t rung yet. It’s only fair I worry about number 87 first. When I’m signed, then I can weigh in more."

No matter how badly Wayne wants to stay in Indianapolis, it’s simply not going to happen if they’re not willing to make him an offer.

Former Patriots linebacker Willie McGinest talked to Wayne and says that Wayne and the Patriots could be a great fit.

"It came up in the conversation would he ever want to play for the Patriots. He smiled and said, ‘Who wouldn’t want to play there?’  If it could have worked with Chad (Ochocinco), it would have been good. It didn’t. I just think Brady has a lot of weapons, but he can always use that stretch-the-field receiver. When they had Randy (Moss) there, it really made it tough for teams to stop them. Reggie Wayne is somebody who could stretch the field. He has great hands, he’s a professional who could pick up the system. Having another big-time receiver like that would put it over the top."

Much like he was a huge fan of Ochocinco before he came to New England, Patriots coach Bill Belichick has nothing but great things to say about Wayne.

The Patriots desperately need another weapon for Tom Brady at the wide receiver position, and Wayne could be a guy that helps them stretch the field and open up the offense a little more.

Will the Patriots be willing to pull the trigger and sign a guy who has spent his whole career with one of their biggest rivals?